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The cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic components of the nervous system of Moniezia expansa (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

A. G. Maule ,
D. W. Halton ,
C. Shaw  and
C. F. Johnston
A. G. Maule
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biology and Biochemistry, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
D. W. Halton
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Biology and Biochemistry, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
C. Shaw
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biology and Biochemistry, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
C. F. Johnston
Affiliation:
Comparative Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biology and Biochemistry, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
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Summary

The central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous systems of the cyclophyllidean tapeworm, Moniezia expansa, were examined for the presence of cholinergic, serotoninergic and peptidergic elements using enzyme cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques in conjunction with light and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Cholinesterase activity and 5-hydroxytryptamine- and regulatory peptide-immunoreactivities (IRs) were localized to the nerve fibres and cell bodies of all of the major neuronal components in the CNS of the worm, including the cerebral ganglia and connecting commissure, the 10 longitudinal nerve cords and associated transverse ring commissures. Although each of the 3 systems appeared well developed and comprised a significant portion of the nervous system, the serotoninergic constituent was the most highly developed, consisting of a vast array of nerve fibres and cell bodies distributed throughout the strobila of the worm. A close association of cholinesterase reactivity and peptide-IRs was evident throughout the CNS, indicating the possible co-localization of acetylcholine and neuropeptides. Within the PNS, cholinergic activity and serotoninergic- and peptidergic-IRs occurred in the subtegumental network of nerve fibres and somatic musculature. Although all 3 neuro-chemical elements were present in the acetabula, they were found in different nerve fibres; only cholinergic and peptidergic cell bodies were found. The common genital opening, vagina and ootype regions of the reproductive system displayed a rich innervation of all 3 types of neuronal populations. Within the peptidergic system, immunostaining with antiseraraised to the C-terminus of the neuropeptide Y superfamily of peptides and the invertebrate peptides, neuropeptide F (M. expansa) and FMRFamide was the most prevalent. Limited positive-IR for substance P and neurokinin A were also recorded in the CNS of the worm.

Keywords

Moniezia expansaCestodaneuropeptidesneuropeptide Y-superfamilyneuropeptide FFMRFamidesubstance Pneurokinin A5-hydroxytryptaminecholinesteraseimmunocytochemistryconfocal scanning laser microscopy.
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 106 , Issue 4 , May 1993 , pp. 429 - 440
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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